Well, I caught CS-MX-5 fever.
After a few weeks of searching for a winter project I went to see a tidy MK2. Full of anticipation to drive one of the ‘greatest ever drivers cars’ shot down to the midlands with a pocket of cash.
However, despite being VERY tidy and well priced I couldn’t help but say to myself ‘is this it?’. Whilst very nice and sporty in a middle aged woman kind of way it was not nearly as inspiring as I inspected.
Taking into the account the general trend of newer α lardiness I continued the hunt, but for an MK1.
My search criteria was basically: JDM late import (as little rust as possible), Torsen LSD, reasonable mileage, Special marque if possible, mechanically sound, 1.8.
Soon after, I found an MK1 Eunos VR-Limited Combination A
The VR Ltd 1.8 Combination A, one of just 700 produced (In Japan).
Finished in ‘Art Vin Rouge’ paint with contrasting stone leather seats.
Mechanically identical to the Type II cars which means 133 bhp engine along with lightened flywheel, revised ECU and a Torsen limited slip differential with a 4.3:1 final drive ratio. The VR also has thicker anti-roll bars and lots of extra under-body bracing.
Many of the other unique VR Ltd features are cosmetic, mine has shiny alloy interior parts, kickplates, A/C etc
It was imported in 2007 and now standing at just 114k kM
And this is how it came:
Those chrome strips on the bumper made me feel ill. They had to go, quickly. Despite heathing they pull off some of the ageing clearcoat off with them
TOY TIME!
Rota Grid 15x7 (yes, you heard, Rota. I’m not in ma5da race series!)
Nardi 330mm Perforated elather steering wheel
HKB boss
OEM front discs and pads
Duraluminium tow hook and baby tooth
JSM style reg plate mount
CAS O-ring
CLEAN UP TIME
New gear shift gaiter
Starting to clean the leather (almost 50/50 shot)
http://s114.beta.photobucket.com/us...56ff3a330883b1184347449b.jpg.html?sort=3&o=12
Trying different finishes on the teardrops
Kickplates
Gtechniq C4
Wipers refurbed in statin black
The horrible Halfords/Mike Brewer-esque grill painted in stain black
A special thanks to a previous owner for this stunning piece of ingenuity.
Gear turret seals & oil changed
Engine oil & filter changed
Diff oil changed
Gearbox oil changed
Cam cover polished
Low-pro headlamps fitted. SO much less camp!
Gave it a light polish. 106FA + 3M Yellow for detailing aficionados.
Alignment set up at BLiNK Motorsport, Cheshire
More to come soon..
After a few weeks of searching for a winter project I went to see a tidy MK2. Full of anticipation to drive one of the ‘greatest ever drivers cars’ shot down to the midlands with a pocket of cash.
However, despite being VERY tidy and well priced I couldn’t help but say to myself ‘is this it?’. Whilst very nice and sporty in a middle aged woman kind of way it was not nearly as inspiring as I inspected.
Taking into the account the general trend of newer α lardiness I continued the hunt, but for an MK1.
My search criteria was basically: JDM late import (as little rust as possible), Torsen LSD, reasonable mileage, Special marque if possible, mechanically sound, 1.8.
Soon after, I found an MK1 Eunos VR-Limited Combination A
The VR Ltd 1.8 Combination A, one of just 700 produced (In Japan).
Finished in ‘Art Vin Rouge’ paint with contrasting stone leather seats.
Mechanically identical to the Type II cars which means 133 bhp engine along with lightened flywheel, revised ECU and a Torsen limited slip differential with a 4.3:1 final drive ratio. The VR also has thicker anti-roll bars and lots of extra under-body bracing.
Many of the other unique VR Ltd features are cosmetic, mine has shiny alloy interior parts, kickplates, A/C etc
It was imported in 2007 and now standing at just 114k kM
And this is how it came:
Those chrome strips on the bumper made me feel ill. They had to go, quickly. Despite heathing they pull off some of the ageing clearcoat off with them
TOY TIME!
Rota Grid 15x7 (yes, you heard, Rota. I’m not in ma5da race series!)
Nardi 330mm Perforated elather steering wheel
HKB boss
OEM front discs and pads
Duraluminium tow hook and baby tooth
JSM style reg plate mount
CAS O-ring
CLEAN UP TIME
New gear shift gaiter
Starting to clean the leather (almost 50/50 shot)
http://s114.beta.photobucket.com/us...56ff3a330883b1184347449b.jpg.html?sort=3&o=12
Trying different finishes on the teardrops
Kickplates
Gtechniq C4
Wipers refurbed in statin black
The horrible Halfords/Mike Brewer-esque grill painted in stain black
A special thanks to a previous owner for this stunning piece of ingenuity.
Gear turret seals & oil changed
Engine oil & filter changed
Diff oil changed
Gearbox oil changed
Cam cover polished
Low-pro headlamps fitted. SO much less camp!
Gave it a light polish. 106FA + 3M Yellow for detailing aficionados.
Alignment set up at BLiNK Motorsport, Cheshire
More to come soon..
